Monte H. Greenawalt, DC, DABCO, who, as founder of Foot Levelers, Inc., advanced the chiropractic community forever, died at his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007.
Dr. Greenawalt, 84, grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated from Lincoln College of Chiropractic in 1948. Directly after college, he began his practice in the basement of a bank in his hometown. He soon noticed a serious void in the chiropractic community; his patients' frames were not remaining in line once outside of his office. Foot imbalances were causing a series of distortions in the body and therefore, their spinal adjustments were not maintained. He developed custom-made orthotics, designed to support the patient's body while out of the chiropractor's office.
In 1952, he founded Foot Levelers, Inc., a company dedicated to total-body wellness and the chiropractic profession. The company's humble beginnings in a Dubuque carriage house have grown into a highly successful company relocated in Roanoke, Va. In 1979, Greenawalt's son, Kent, took over the company; however, Monte was never far. "He was always there to give a helping hand and was eternally optimistic and positive," said Kent Greenawalt. Foot Levelers, Inc. has helped to raise millions of dollars in funds for chiropractic colleges, chiropractic research and the profession as a whole.
Dr. Greenawalt mentored thousands of potential chiropractors, would-be entrepreneurs and budding philanthropists. He was an acclaimed author, inventor, philanthropist and speaker. He received numerous honors and recognitions, including being named Humanitarian of the Year in 1991 by the American Chiropractic Association. Once word of his death spread, his son received calls from numerous people wanting to share their experience with Dr. Greenawalt.
"They said he gave so much from his heart without expecting anything in return, or that he bought their school something they had needed, or that they remembered vividly a lecture he had given somewhere," Kent said.
Close friends and family attended the small service held in Las Vegas, Dr. Greenawalt's home of 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; a brother, Tom; two sisters, Saralee and Gayle; son Kent and two granddaughters, Jamie and Kelsey. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Monte H. Greenawalt Foundation, Inc. Please mail donations to PO Box 12611, Roanoke, Va. 24027.
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